“I want to be part of what he is building here and get back into the Championship.

“I’m really pleased to sign and can’t wait to get going. I’m delighted to be here.”

Bailey, 25, had been on trial at Doncaster Rovers having been released by the Rams at the end of last season. But a move to the Keepmoat fell through.

The Reds were “desperate” for a right-back following the departure of key players this summer. And as well as playing in midfield, the versatile Bailey can also play in that position. “Last season was a really bad for me, it just reminded me how much I missed football,” admitted Bailey.

“But the manager and the staff here showed a massive desire that they wanted me here, which is hopefully back to the Championship.

“For me joining was a no-brainer. I wanted a manager to believe in me again – and thankfully I’ve found that manager.

“Seeing the lads out there playing last season and not playing was hard, but you’ve got to look at the positives because it’s made me more

hungry having not played for so long.

“I’m just so happy to have got this opportunity to express myself again and hopefully getting Barnsley back into the Championship.”

Bailey started his career with Crewe Alexandra and spent three seasons with the Railwaymen before a permanent switch to Derby in 2010.

He made 59 appearances for the Rams but spent much of 2012 and 2013 on loan at Coventry City.

Last season Bailey played just two appearances for the Rams before being released from Pride Park.

He becomes the Reds’ fourth summer signing following the departure of a string of players from Oakwell.

Bailey follows goalkeeper Adam Davies, midfielder Conor Hourihane and striker Kane Hemmings as new recruits for the Reds’ first season back in League One following relegation from the Championship last term.

Meanwhile, the Reds have had a bid rejected by Dagenham and Redbridge for striker Rhys Murphy.

Murphy was the Daggers’ leading scorer last season with 13 goals, but the London club are reluctant to let the player leave.

With Chris O’Grady having been sold to Brighton and Hove Albion, Reds’ boss Wilson is hungry to sign a new striker – or two – before the